Strymon Big Sky, Not Working Properly?

Discussion in 'Software' started by Redacted, Nov 3, 2025 at 9:17 PM.

  1. Redacted

    Redacted Member

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    Strymon plugins especially BigSky from R2R is not working or am I doing something wrong?

    i9 11th gen 64gb ram legit FL latest win 11 nvidia rtx 3070 drivers all updated

    Nothing, no project just adding this plugin on mixer puts cpu to 97-98 and its unusable. explains itself.

    From comments I did not see such problem with anyone. Is it my system or anyone else have problem too?
    I dont have any other system at the moment and cannot check it myself
    How can I solve it?

    Thanks.
     
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  3. HammerTiMe

    HammerTiMe Platinum Record

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    Everything is ok on my systems. The problem is on your side
     
  4. Redacted

    Redacted Member

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    Any idea what could be wrong or what can fix it? Every other plugin ever used all good not a single issue.
     
  5. PulseWave

    PulseWave Audiosexual

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    Look what the AI found:
    It sounds like you're running into a classic case of high CPU load from a resource-intensive plugin, and unfortunately, the R2R-cracked version of Strymon BigSky is likely the culprit here—more on that below. Your system specs (i9-11th gen, 64GB RAM, RTX 3070, latest Windows 11 and FL Studio) are more than capable for most production workflows, so this isn't a hardware limitation. Even in an empty project, a single instance pegging CPU at 97-98% and making things unusable points to a plugin-specific issue rather than a broader system problem.

    Is This Common?
    From digging into forums, Reddit, and recent discussions:

    • Legit BigSky has known high CPU demands: It's a beast of a reverb plugin with complex algorithms (e.g., Cloud, Shimmer, Nonlinear modes) that emulate high-end hardware. Users report spikes of 20-50% on high-end CPUs like Ryzen 5950X or i9s for one instance, especially in real-time DAW use. In FL Studio specifically, it can exacerbate CPU issues due to how FL handles plugin buffering and threading. No widespread "crash on load" reports, but performance complaints are common (e.g., on r/synthesizers and Gearspace).
    • R2R cracks amplify the problem: These scene releases (like the v1.2.0 REPACK-R2R) are designed for "faster loading and less memory use" in theory, but they often introduce bugs like inefficient threading, memory leaks, or compatibility glitches on Windows 11. Your exact symptom (immediate 97-98% CPU spike on insert, even empty project) matches reports of cracked plugins causing "endless polling" or failed optimizations. I didn't find identical complaints for BigSky R2R (it's a newer crack, from mid-2025), but it's a pattern with R2R releases for CPU-heavy effects—e.g., similar spikes in other reverbs like Valhalla or Eventide cracks.
    • Not unique to you: Isolated reports on AudioSEX (your post originated there?) and X mention BigSky (cracked or not) spiking CPUs, but nothing epidemic. Windows 11 + FL's latest build can add latency if ASIO drivers aren't tuned, but that's secondary here.
    You're not alone, but it's probably not "your system"—it's the crack destabilizing the plugin's DSP engine.

    How to Solve It
    Start with quick fixes, then escalate. Test in a fresh FL project each time, and monitor CPU via FL's wrapper (right-click plugin > Wrapper settings > Show CPU graph) or Task Manager (sort by CPU, watch for FL or BigSky.exe spikes).

    1. Immediate Tweaks in FL Studio
    • Increase buffer size: Go to Options > Audio Settings > Buffer length: crank to 512-1024 samples. This trades latency for stability—fine for mixing, not live tracking. Rescan plugins after.
    • Smart disable unused plugins: In the mixer, right-click the BigSky slot > Smart disable on/off. FL will bypass it when not in focus, dropping CPU.
    • Multithreaded processing: Options > Audio Settings > CPU > Multithreaded generator processing: Enable. Also try "Enable all threads" if your i9 has 8+ cores.
    • Reset plugin wrapper: Right-click BigSky in mixer > Wrapper settings > Reset plugin defaults. If it's VST3, switch to VST2 (or vice versa) in the wrapper.
    • FL optimization guide: Follow Image-Line's official CPU tips—disable "Use fixed size buffers," close background apps (e.g., browser tabs, RGB software), and run FL as admin.
    These often drop CPU by 20-50% for heavy plugins without losing functionality.

    2. Plugin-Specific Fixes
    • Lower BigSky's internal quality: In the plugin GUI, dial down Decay/Size (shorter tails = less CPU), switch to a lighter algorithm (e.g., Room vs. Cloud), and disable Infinite/Freeze if on. Avoid max sample rate (set to 44.1kHz project if possible).
    • Reinstall the crack: Delete the R2R folder (usually in C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3 or wherever you extracted), redownload a fresh R2R pack, and rescan in FL (Options > Manage plugins > Find plugins). Sometimes extraction glitches cause loops.
    • Test legit version: Strymon offers a 7-day free trial (no iLok needed). Download from their site, authorize via demo mode, and compare CPU. If it runs smooth (users report ~10-30% on your specs), that's confirmation the crack is faulty. (Full license is ~$199, but trial isolates the issue.)
    3. System-Level Checks
    • Power plan: Windows Search > Power & sleep settings > Additional power settings > High performance (not Balanced). i9s throttle on Balanced.
    • NVIDIA/Driver tweaks: Even with updates, Studio drivers can conflict—switch to Game Ready drivers via GeForce Experience. In NVIDIA Control Panel > Manage 3D settings > Program settings > Add FL.exe > Set Power management to "Prefer maximum performance."
    • Background hogs: Use Task Manager > Startup > Disable non-essentials (e.g., OneDrive, antivirus scans). Run msconfig > Services > Hide Microsoft > Disable third-party.
    • Overheating?: HWMonitor or Core Temp—your i9 can thermal throttle at 90C+. Clean dust, reapply paste if >1 year old.
    • Windows 11 quirks: If on 24H2 build, roll back via Settings > Update & Security > Recovery (users report better plugin stability on 23H2).
    4. Workarounds If It Persists
    • Bounce to audio: Insert BigSky > Render a short dry clip through it (File > Export > Wave file) > Replace with bounced audio. CPU-free playback.
    • Alternatives: While troubleshooting, swap in lighter reverbs. Valhalla Room/Shimmer (~5-10% CPU), FabFilter Pro-R2, or free ones like OrilRiver. For Strymon vibes, try the hardware pedal via insert if you have it.
    • Upgrade path: If legit appeals, BigSky's iLok activation is cloud-based (no dongle). Or check FL's Edison for quick reverb baking.
    If none of this drops it below ~50%, share more details (e.g., exact R2R version, BigSky algorithm used, ASIO driver) or screenshots of CPU graphs—I can refine. Hit up Strymon support for trial help, or AudioSEX/Reddit for crack-specific patches. You'll get it sorted; that i9 should eat this for breakfast.
     
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